Olga sighed regretfully. "Yes, it was."
Confused at Olga's expression, Mikhail was about to ask for further clarification when he felt hands place something around his neck. Looking down, he was stunned to see a shape trap charm. Beside him, Iris had also received the same. Quickly, he tried to revert to his human form, but he felt the charm block the spell. He was trapped in horse form!
"What is this!?" He whinnied in outrage only to be subdued by a wave of soothing magic from the Horse Witches. Soon, both stallion and mare stood obediently together. Inside, though, Mikhail's mind was reeling.
"I apologize, Lord Copperstone," Olga said. "Please, bear with this temporary precaution. While you have been completely cooperative up till now, the king has decided that you must remain in horse form until the kingdom is secure. Do not worry. You will still be the head of your estate, just like always."
"But how will I run things as a horse?' Mikhail asked, his tone kept even by the soothing spell. "My human servants will not be able to understand me without a communication spell, and casting that spell constantly will be exhausting."
Olga nodded before replying.